Sunday, February 7, 2016

Hope Against Hope

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.Romans 4:18-21 (NASB)

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” Psalm 39:7 (NIV)

What a rainy winter! This El Nino effect is about to affect my soul. Cloudy days and flooding rains—I’m so tired of this weather. Gloomy hearts and angry rants—I’m tired of evil’s persuasion on earth, in my family. Where’s the sun? Where’s the Son?

Because of scientific proof, I know the sun hangs in the heavens as planets revolve around it. Even if clouds obscure the sun, I experience night and day every twenty-four hours. This evidence provides me with certainty that the sun, even when not visible, is out there in space. And I’m fully persuaded that the sun will shine again.

Because the Bible tells me so, I know the Son of God, Jesus Christ, sacrificed His life to save me and all of creation from sin and death. Even if somber circumstances cloud my faith in the Son, I experience His strength and peace when I devote my mind and heart to Him. This evidence provides me with hope for the fulfillment of His promises to me. And I’m fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised.

In order to remain persuaded, I need to hope against hope. The Lord has promised good to me. I’ve heard His plans and promises for my life and my loved ones. His Word is Truth and I believe Him. But when I gaze at the circumstances of my life, it appears as though He has failed me. Did He really mean what He said? Will it really happen as He said? Should I help Him figure it out and make it happen?

Abraham in hope against hope believed God’s promise of a son born to Sarah and him. But the wait time between the promise and its fulfillment lingered. The evidence of God’s Word eluded Abraham and Sarah for a long time. Maybe that’s why they interfered with God’s plan and attempted to assist Him, culminating in the birth of Ishmael.

As Sarah and Abraham discovered, God didn’t need help. The promised son would be born in God’s way and God’s timing. Eventually their hope became reality at the birth of Isaac. Can you imagine the joy they experienced when they held God’s promise in their arms?

Hope reigns in the Word of God. From Genesis to Revelation, stories of hope fill the pages. While adversity surrounded them, patriarchs and prophets held onto hope. The evidence of God’s faithfulness in their daily lives provided them with the certainty of future promises fulfilled. Some of these Biblical personalities lived to realize their hope, the confidence of the promised future. Others only heard of it and dreamed. But they believed (read about some of them in the “Faith Hall of Fame” in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews).

Are you in the midst of hope? Does it seem as though your prayers have fallen on deaf ears? The answers to these questions—keep on hoping and no they haven’t. The evidence of God’s faithfulness in your daily life is proof His promises will be fulfilled. Yes, you may be surrounded by troubles piercing your heart with agonizing pain. But notice the rising sun each day and the glow of moon and stars at night. Remember a Savior who suffered excruciating torment for a sinful world—envision His resurrection. The God in charge of creation and redemption can definitely handle our problems. He is able!

He is able and we must hold onto hope. The Promise-Maker is a Promise-keeper—Abraham’s life gives testimony. Yet even if we don’t realize God’s promise in our lifetime, fulfillment will happen in His time. His Word is Truth. His Truth walks His timeline!

Hope against hope for the fulfillment of a certain future! Faith says hope will see promises kept. Walk in assurance, being fully persuaded that God has the power to accomplish His promises.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)

2 comments:

Ah! the hope that we may never fully understand. However, it continues to engage us for the journey. Great job Debbie, you are truly one of the mouth pieces of God. I appreciate your writings very much.